Meet the partners
Associated partner
TUDELFT
TU Delft has long been known for excellence in Water Resources and Water Treatment research. Our research addresses relevant worldwide topics such as water and sanitation and mitigation of floods and droughts. Our staff members carry out research in both Europe and the Global South. The research of the Department of Water Management was recently rated as ‘excellent’ buy an external research assessment committee on all three reviewed topics, being ‘quality of research’, ‘viability’ and societal ‘relevance’. The Department is particularly strong in ‘asking hard-scientific questions of societal importance’. Researchers in the department like to take the ‘path less travelled’ in research and education to produce path-breaking and original advances in understanding and solving complex water engineering challenges. This is well reflected in outstanding publications of international impact, leadership in European and International research projects, and a breeding ground for first-rate PhD students.
NTU Athens
The National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), founded in 1837, is the oldest and most prestigious technical university in Greece and one of the leading engineering institutions in Europe. With a long-standing tradition of excellence in science, technology, and engineering education, NTUA has played a pivotal role in Greece’s industrial development, infrastructure modernization, and scientific advancement. Today, NTUA comprises nine Schools, more than 23,000 students, over 500 faculty members, and 194 laboratories, maintaining a strong international reputation for high-quality education and cutting-edge research.
Within the QleanUP project, NTUA participates through the Urban Water Management and Hydroinformatics Group (UWMH) of the School of Civil Engineering. The UWMH group is an internationally recognized research team active in the fields of urban water systems, hydroinformatics, circular water economy, and climate resilience. Led by Christos Makropoulos, the group develops innovative solutions and digital tools that support sustainable water management and the transition towards water-smart cities and regions.
The UWMH group has extensive experience in national and European research and innovation projects, collaborating closely with water utilities, public authorities, infrastructure operators, research institutions, and industry stakeholders. Its work focuses on disruptive technologies and integrated approaches for urban water management, including water-sensitive urban design, sustainable drainage systems, greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting, sewer mining, managed aquifer recharge, and resource recovery solutions. Combining advanced modelling, decision-support systems, and large-scale demonstration activities, the group aims to bridge scientific innovation with real-world implementation.
KWR
KWR Water Research Institute generates knowledge to enable the water sector to operate water-wisely in our urbanised society. Our scientific findings and the resulting practical innovations contribute, worldwide, to a sustainable water provision in the urban watercycle. ‘Bridging science to practice’ is KWR’s motto. Our researchers work at the interface of science, business and society. Their strength lies in their translation of scientific knowledge into applicable, practical solutions for end-users in the Dutch and international water sector. We have built a solid reputation as top-level innovation accelerators and international network builders, and increasingly play a coordinating role in national and international collaborations. KWR has managed and conducted the Joint Research Programme with Dutch en Flemish water companies for forty years. Within ToDrinQ, KWR leads WP6 on the development of a design-support tool for flexible, small-scale drinking water treatment plants.
University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is one of the leading research-driven Universities in the UK, consistently ranking among the top 10 at national level. The University of Exeter combines world class research with excellent student satisfaction at its campuses in Exeter and Cornwall.
The Centre for Water Systems (CWS) is part of the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the University of Exeter. The Centre is an internationally leading group specialising in the development and application of advanced computer-based technologies for the water industry, and currently holds research contracts of over €8M, with strong industrial links. Hydroinformatics and urban water management are the main themes, with key research areas in sustainability, risk-based decision support systems, data mining, simulation, and optimisation.
Eurecat
Eurecat is currently the leading technology center in Catalonia and the second-largest private research organization in Southern Europe. Eurecat’s R&D, innovation, and training activities span industrial technologies (including metallic, plastic, and composite materials; manufacturing processes; autonomous and professional robotics; functional printing and textiles; simulation; sustainability; and chemistry), digital technologies (including digital humanities, big data analytics, IT security and smart management systems, e-health, data mining, and multimedia technologies), sustainability (water, air, soil, waste, energy, and environmental impact), and biotech (omics sciences, nutrition, and health).
Westcountry Rivers Trust
WRT Bio – Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT) is an environmental charity working to restore, protect, and improve rivers and freshwater habitats across the West Country, UK.
WRT works directly with local communities, farmers, landowners, and businesses to deliver practical conservation projects and nature-based solutions that improve river health. Over 30 years of operation, they have developed strong expertise in catchment management, water quality improvement, and habitat restoration.
In 2016, WRT launched its Citizen Science Investigations (CSI) programme, which trains and equips volunteers to monitor the health of local rivers and streams. The programme has grown to nearly 700 active volunteers across the Westcountry, collecting data on water quality, habitat conditions, wildlife, and pollution incidents. This data supports WRT’s conservation work and informs wider understanding of freshwater ecosystem health across the region.
With increasing pressures from climate change and habitat loss, WRT continues to expand its capabilities and partnerships to build long-term catchment resilience across the West Country and beyond.
South West Water
Waternet
Waternet is the water utility of Amsterdam and surroundings and is responsible for drinking water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, surface water management and management of the water in the canals of Amsterdam. Waternet operates two drinking water production plants and twelve wastewater treatment plants. Waternet serves more than 1 million cusomers. Waternet is a public utility owned by the municipality of Amsterdam and the regional water authority Amstel, Gooi and Vecht.
EYDAP
EYDAP processes and supplies in its area of competence its water. EYDAP’s main water sources and reservoirs are located in pristine areas, free from agricultural and industrial activity, so that the Greek capital is supplied with water of excellent quality that reaches the basin in a natural way, requiring minimal energy consumption.Through esponsibility, expertise and a consistent anthropocentric approach, EYDAP has been successfully managing the water cycle for decades, making it available to all citizens of Attica without discrimination and returning it back to the environment clean. Our strategy is based on achieving a balanced and sustainable development for the benefit of society as a whole, customers, employees, shareholders and the environment. The dynamic triptych of Safety at Work – Operational Efficiency – Development for Society is what defines the Company’s strategic priorities.
YDAP processes and supplies in its area of competence its water. EYDAP’s main water sources and reservoirs are located in pristine areas, free from agricultural and industrial activity, so that the Greek capital is supplied with water of excellent quality that reaches the basin in a natural way, requiring minimal energy consumption.Through esponsibility, expertise and a consistent anthropocentric approach, EYDAP has been successfully managing the water cycle for decades, making it available to all citizens of Attica without discrimination and returning it back to the environment clean. Our strategy is based on achieving a balanced and sustainable development for the benefit of society as a whole, customers, employees, shareholders and the environment. The dynamic triptych of Safety at Work – Operational Efficiency – Development for Society is what defines the Company’s strategic priorities.
EYDAP processes and supplies in its area of competence its water. EYDAP’s main water sources and reservoirs are located in pristine areas, free from agricultural and industrial activity, so that the Greek capital is supplied with water of excellent quality that reaches the basin in a natural way, requiring minimal energy consumption.Through esponsibility, expertise and a consistent anthropocentric approach, EYDAP has been successfully managing the water cycle for decades, making it available to all citizens of Attica without discrimination and returning it back to the environment clean. Our strategy is based on achieving a balanced and sustainable development for the benefit of society as a whole, customers, employees, shareholders and the environment. The dynamic triptych of Safety at Work – Operational Efficiency – Development for Society is what defines the Company’s strategic priorities.
GO Servicios
GOServicios serves as Global Omnium’s Technology Centre and the operational core of its water services, backed by a track record of over 125 years of experience. With a team of more than 250 specialised professionals, this entity merges historical knowledge with technical cutting-edge to manage the integrated water cycle, positioning itself as a national benchmark in the sector. Its business model relies on expert environmental service delivery and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement and technical expertise.
Innovation is the driving force behind GOServicios, manifesting through multidisciplinary technological capabilities that serve both public administrations and industry. Within the analytical field, GOServicios stands out as a high-precision laboratory and an accredited inspection body; it was a pioneer in Spain for wastewater discharge inspection protocols and is an expert in detecting emerging contaminants. Digitalisation is another fundamental pillar, implementing sensorisation and IoT solutions that enable remote reading and the real-time monitoring of quality parameters. Furthermore, the organisation leads the way in advanced geomatics through drone flights, ground-penetrating radar, and BIM modelling for the intelligent management of infrastructures. This innovative approach extends to environmental health—with rigorous Legionella control and management—as well as energy efficiency in smart buildings, ensuring resource optimisation and indoor air quality under certified standards.
Together with Aguas de Valencia and EMIVASA, GOServicios is involved in Demo Case 2, located in Valencia, Spain, where a tool will be developed to reduce the risk of resource water contamination leading to drinking water production complications. In this demo case offline and online measurements will be used, complemented with predictive models to ensure the robust production of safe drinking water.
Aguas de Valencia
Aguas de Valencia, S.A. (AVSA) is the core operational and innovation entity of the Global Omnium group, a leading Spanish water utility managing the integral water cycle for over 3 million people. AVSA acts as a Drinking Water Innovation Hub, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and industrial-scale operations. It specializes in the digital and physical transformation of water services, managing strategic assets including Drinking Water Treatment Plants, Wastewater Treatment Plants and other infrastructures. In QleanUP, AVSA participates as an Affiliated Entity, providing the “Living Lab” environment and the industrial expertise needed to validate next-generation monitoring technologies.
Emivasa
Empresa Mixta Valenciana de Aguas, S.A. (EMIVASA) is a public-private partnership between the Valencia City Council and the Global Omnium group, responsible for the management of the public water supply service for the city of Valencia. EMIVASA operates La Presa DWTP, one of Europe’s most resilient and technologically advanced Drinking Water Treatment Plants. EMIVASA provides a high-maturity “Living Lab” environment (TRL 6-7) for the testing and scaling of water technologies. In the QleanUP project, EMIVASA acts as the Demo Case for drinking water, offering its “Advanced Water Treatment Pilot Hub” to demonstrate new technologies on detection of contaminants and water management.
Water Europe
Water Europe (WE) is a multi-stakeholder association with around 300 members representing the entire water value chain. Established by the European Commission as a European Technology Platform, WE brings together all actors across the water value chain. Guided by its Water Vision for a Water-Smart Society, Water Europe is a purpose-driven organisation anchored in the values of collaboration, societal responsibility, evidence-based and technology-neutral action, and a pragmatic yet ambitious drive to deliver value-driven solutions.
OliSens
To support water quality management, in routine time and during crisis, OliSens develops portable and on-line device for quantifying chemical pollutants in real time.
OliSens proposes several technologies :
IonSens® detects and quantifies nitrate, chloride, fluoride… from 1 mg/L
MetalSens® detects lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc… from 1 µg/L
PestiSens® detects some pesticide molecules and their metabolites.
IonSens® and PestiSens® technologies deliver measurement in less than 2 minutes.
These technologies are developed by OliSens in collaboration with academic research laboratories based in Europe and combined with some more usual analytical technologies.
Orvion
Altis
Altis is a public utility created in 1959 and based in Switzerland in the area of Val de Bagne near Verbier. The group has developed expertise in the fields of water, electricity, heat, mobility and housing. Looking to the future, Altis is proactive in innovation and the incubation of innovative projects.
